Upgrading to a 2023 TRD off road premium show me your upgrades

I’m upgrading from a 2019 SR5 premium to a 2023 TRD off road premium. Show me your mods and things you can’t go without. So far I’ve already got my roof rack and floor mats but I want to upgrade for a bull bar or brush guard type of upgrade or an bumper and want to see what you’ve done to yours. For an idea of what’s on its way to me I’ve included a stock photo of my exact package that’s on the way.

Im planning to stick to the same brand roof rack as previously because I loved it. I’ve seen alot of strong opinions on the bull bars/brush guards and I’m wanting to see what other people have found and liked. For reference this is my current SR5. I have hit deer 3 different times in multiple vehicles in my area so really looking something that serves protection and good looks.

 

Welcome. The problem with bull bars and brush guards is that they can cause more damage than protect. Most of that has to do with the way they mount. You have beefy bolts and brackets that attach to the frame on the bottom but still allow for movement in the event of a collision. The top brackets are usually bolted to sheet metal supports that are designed to give/crumple in the event of a collision.

Prevention is the key to avoid deer accidents. You can greatly reduce the chances of hitting one by adjusting your travel times around their migration times. They usually migrate from grazing to water and vice versa, + or - one hour at dusk and dawn.

 

I agree avoiding them is the best unfortunately my work schedule doesn’t allow much wiggle room on that when going to and from work. Thankfully I’m lucky enough to have a secondary car that I take too and from work now. But I learned the hard way it was better to invest in a work vehicle that wasn’t my baby. Before buying a work car I hit a deer with the runner and my bull bar (not the one pictured) saved majority of my grille and prevented radiator damage but I do agree it gave into the impact of the deer. The deer hit off centered and completely took out the driver headlight and front corner. Had it hit dead center the bull bar may have caused more harm than help. However I was able to drive home from the accident and no mechanical issues. All the airbags deployed which was a costly repair but only airbags and body work were needed to fix her.

 

I would get a full bull bar bumper set up if you need to save that front end. There's a reason they are called roo bars. Something like this https://c4fabrication.com/collectio...ner-overland-series-front-bumper-5th-gen-2014

Or

https://backwoodsadventuremods.com/...te-overland-front-bumper-bull-bar-launch-list

 

Ugh, three different deer hits, that sucks!!! I’m gonna say that you’re more than justified getting a proper “Australian-grade” bumper. ARB has enough money to crash test their stuff (and maybe other australian imported bumbers). If you are looking for a well engineered solution , ARB or something similarly engineered would be it. The brush guards like your are kind if a crapshoot like you’ve noticed. Not to mention, they lose a TON of approach angle/clearance.

Also, pardon my pickiness, but the d-ring shackles on your brush guard…. I know they’re probably for looks, but I’d hate for somebody to think you can use those to pull the vehicle. It could end badly if you ever get stuck and an eager beaver wanting to help you out, hooks up to one of those before you even noticing.